Limewire's new business model

Wired’s blog reports that Limewire, the popular P2P service (aka one of the evil file-trading places that RIAA hates) is coming out with a new application that makes it easier for users logged into the service to remotely share not just music but also photos and other material. One of LW’s founders gives his granny as an example and says that it’ll be easier than ever for her to see home photos from him now.

Very touching but it’s also very canny- LW realizes that if it establishes itself with some indisputable legit services that become popular, it’s gonna be harder and harder for the labels and their RIAA lawyers to go after them so easily. Ultimately, LW wants to do what the labels should have done a long time ago- cut deals so that they can serve up content legally with the majors’ blessings. This might turn out to be part of that leverage.